Methods From Easiest to Most Aggressive

  1. 1

    Rubber band method (try first)

    Place a wide rubber band flat over the screw head. Press your screwdriver through the rubber band into the screw head. The rubber fills the stripped grooves and creates friction. Press down hard while turning slowly — the rubber grips where the screwdriver alone cannot. Works well for lightly stripped screws.

  2. 2

    Use a larger or different screwdriver

    A slightly larger flat-head screwdriver can bridge across a stripped Phillips head, using the outer edges of the head for grip. A flat-head in a stripped Phillips sometimes works when the original driver no longer bites.

  3. 3

    Cut a new slot with a rotary tool

    Use a Dremel or rotary tool with a cutting disc to cut a straight slot across the screw head. A standard flat-head screwdriver then fits into the new slot. Works on any accessible screw head. Make the cut as deep as the screw head allows.

  4. 4

    Screw extractor bit

    Screw extractor bits (available from hardware stores, $15–30 for a set) have a reverse-tapered spiral. Drill a small pilot hole in the centre of the screw. Insert the extractor bit and turn anticlockwise — as it bites into the screw it tightens and extracts it. Very effective for firmly stuck screws.

  5. 5

    Pliers or locking pliers (Vise-Grips)

    If the screw protrudes above the surface even slightly, grip the head firmly with needle-nose pliers or locking pliers and turn anticlockwise. Locking pliers set tight on the head provide good torque. Works when there is enough screw head to grip.

  6. 6

    Drill out the screw head (last resort)

    Drill through the centre of the screw head with a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw shaft diameter. The head separates from the shaft, freeing the material held by the screw. The shaft remains in the wood and can be removed with pliers or left in place if it is not protruding.

Prevent stripped screwsAlways use the correct driver size — the most common cause of stripping is using a slightly-too-small bit that slips in the head. Use good quality bits — cheap bits round off quickly. Drive at a 90-degree angle to the screw. Do not overdrive — once the screw is flush or seated, stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alden Pro Grabit and Irwin Hanson screw extractor sets are well-regarded and widely available. Avoid very cheap screw extractor sets as low-quality extractors can snap in the screw, making the problem much worse. The rubber band method and cutting a new slot are free alternatives worth trying before buying an extractor set.
The rubber band, new slot, and screw extractor methods are all low-risk to surrounding material when used carefully. Drilling is the highest risk — use a drill guide or go slowly and stay centred on the screw shaft. For screws in delicate surfaces (soft timber, plastic, plasterboard), the rubber band or extractor methods are preferable to any drilling approach.